Thursday, March 17, 2016

City Views, Country Dreams

Happy St. Patrick's Day from New York.

Although by the time some of you all might see this post it will probably be March 18, I did want to share a bit of what is still the 17th in NYC with you all.

 In preparation for my upcoming post-retirement relaxed schedules, I thought that I would walk over to Fifth Avenue today, rather than opting to use the subway or bus.  I smiled to see this topiary-to-be in the works in front of a neighborhood brownstone.


I had an errand to tend to in a major NYC store, looking for a few new cosmetic products at Bergdorf Goodman.  It was fun to walk around the edge of the Sheep Meadow as I headed diagonally southeastward.


Lots of green on the meadow, but not any people.  They were all crowding the midtown Fifth Avenue sidewalks, having a good look at the big St. Pat's Parade.


My shopping errand was unsuccessful, and so I decided to walk back uptown through the eastern edge of Central Park to find a Fifth Avenue sidewalk parade viewing spot that was less crowded than midtown.


The weather was mild and around midday any forecast showers were not yet appearing.  Great to see lots of daffodils.  Lots of security measures were also on clear display.  I am never quite sure whether seeing police and police vehicles, helicopters and park police, too, actually makes me feel more secure.


In any event, I managed to get my first glimpse of the marchers around East 70th Street.  Orange headgear on the two young ladies, and several police officers apparent on the edges of this photograph.


Pipers and drummers, and a green hair bow.


These lads had grown bored with the parade and decided to have a rest on the wall around the Park.


The band in the above photograph were dressed quite formally.


I am hoping that in some of these pictures you'll be able to see the green stripe painted down the center of Fifth Avenue.


Isn't this young lass lovely?


A very large green hat and some bright green trousers at this corner.


You can tell from this photograph that the parade watching crowds were rather skimpy uptown.



This band clearly had been practicing their marching and music playing.


The above photograph shows a variety of approaches to the wearing of the green.


If you click to enlarge the above photograph and look at the upper left corner, you might be able to see one of the low-flying helicopters that looped up and down over the parade route.


I still cannot believe how long this young lady was able to carry her friend on her shoulders.


Look at this little cutie in her frou frou skirt and green hat and tee shirt.

The fellow in the following photograph was not having a very profitable day trying to sell his souvenirs.  In general, I thought the mood of the day was a bit subdued.


I had difficulty trying to take photographs of the large banners.  Some bystander always picked a not-perfect-for-me moment to step into the frame.


These beautiful horses got a well deserved round of applause.


Beautiful horse and rider.


This parade contingent were twirling large banners very skillfully.


Not everyone wore green.


Can you imagine marching two miles carrying those shiny large horns?


Ah, finally I got a clear view of one of the banners.


Here's another band that's clearly been practicing.


And here is another beautiful banner.





And here come more pipers.  And another marching military group.  I admit that I have mixed feelings about seeing such young folks expertly marching along with weapons.


There was suddenly a change in the weather, with a bit of cool breeze and some very dark clouds began to arrive from the west.  Having trusted the weather forecast that there would be no rain, I had no umbrella with me, and decided it might be wise to start my walk back home across the Park.


The dramatic dark sky in the above photograph was in deep contrast to brilliant patches of blue sky still visible to the east.


A "living statue" performer was preparing to begin his/her act, and I paused in my walk to take some photographs of this preparation, as well as more pictures of the gathering clouds.


The parade still had at least another hour to go at this point, and I felt sorry for the bands and marchers who stood a chance of getting wet.


You can see a bit of blue sky in the upper right corner of the following picture, and can also tell from the shadows at the feet of the folks waiting for refreshments that sun was still shining.


But turning just a few degrees to my left, I glimpsed a very different scene.


I am pleased to report that the rain held off until very late in the afternoon.


I'm sure that the performer in white was also glad that rain did not fall.


Here is just one final view of those dark, low clouds.


I continued my walk home, and took just one more photograph.  The following photograph is of the side door to a busy pizza/felafel cafe at the corner of my street.  If you click to enlarge the photograph, you may be able to read the printed sign on the screen door. 


It says Not an Exist.  Do Not Open.

Hoping you all have had a fine St. Patrick's Day.

Thank you all for visiting here, and for your very kind comments on my previous post.  Five more work days before my retirement.




66 comments:

  1. I thought you were going to get drenched Frances and am glad you didn't. It must happen quite often though. Enjoyed the walkabout but the parade did look lackluster. They are having parties in the city as we speak. Everyone is Irish today I guess. All I know is that if you don't have on green, you get a pinch. Five more days...

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    1. There did seem to be something just a bit off about yesterday's parade. There were some very long pauses between some of the marching groups, due to the requirements of letting cross-town vehicular traffic cross Fifth Avenue downtown in the midtown area. When I was doing my little shopping errand, I noticed a huge security presence. Huge. And perhaps that also affected the celebrating.
      xo

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  2. Thank you for your St Patrick's Day tour, though the crowds were lacking you captured some lovely moments. And also the drama of the impending weather!
    Wishing you well for you last week at work, hope it has some happy memories for you.
    I suspect that you will be full of mixed emotions at the start of a new chapter, which I know you will fill with interesting adventures. xx

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    1. Celia, the parade watching crowds were all down in the midtown part of Fifth Avenue...maybe standing outside of Trump's big "gold" building...unless he'd had it barricaded.
      Yes, I do have some mixed emotions, but am so glad to have been able to have my last working days in the midst of a wonderful team of folks. xo

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  3. Not an exist!! I had a little chuckle. You do find interesting things to capture, Frances.

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    1. Elizabeth, there are so many little stories in this big city. Not everything makes it to the media headlines. xo

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  4. Thank you for sharing that with us.You must be soooo excited about your retirement.Not long to go now.

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    1. Yes, this new life phase is just around the corner. I am quite happy with my decision.

      xo

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  5. I can almost hear the music that accompanied the scenes in your photographs Frances.
    The shop sign made me laugh.
    Hugs from The UK -x-

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    1. Sheila, perhaps some year you will be able to visit NYC at this time of year, and see the parade yourself.
      Wasn't that sign amusing! xo

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  6. So glad it wasn't an exist!
    Rather green and pleasant. Penn Station was awash with revelers - on my way home yesterday some were a little the worse for wear!

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    1. Elizabeth, I can imagine the scene last evening at Penn Station. Everyone seemed pretty well behaved along my part of the parade route, and Central Park was also being very well patrolled.
      Did you see the sharp thunder storm around 5:30? Kabooom! xo

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  7. How lucky am I to be able to see the New York parade through your eyes. Fabulous photos as always I could almost have been taking them myself. Go raibh mile maith agat. Xx

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    1. One day, some day, it would be so grand to see this particular parade at your side. xo

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  8. I saw one outsize green hat on my errands yesterday and immediately thought of you even though I had forgotten what day it was. I wonder what accounted for the lowered mood? The prospect of a new President perhaps? Anyway it was still good to be able to keep up with this tradition through your eyes.

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    1. Lucille, I think it might have been all the security in evidence. Except for those scary clouds, the weather was perfect. (I've seen previous March 17 snowstorms...and the parade still went on.)
      xo

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  9. Only five days, Frances; hurrah! I miss time in my life very much and envy you the prospect of it. You are a better woman then me for going to the parade, and I'm sure it was all the better for your uplifting, ever-interested presence.

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    1. Additional free time is a very valuable gift that I am very happy to be receiving soon. I think that I'm also quite lucky to have good health!
      Thank you, Mise, for your very kind words. xo

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  10. Wow, what a dramatic change in the weather. Before the clouds rolled in it looked beautiful and very spring like. Unfortunately here where I live we have had snow for the last 3 days. GRR!

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    1. The sudden change in the looks of the sky was very dramatic. And yes, Debbie, we too are due for a little more snow tomorrow. Spring can be so odd. xo

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  11. I love looking at NY through your eyes, Frances, and am curious about what we'll see when you have more time. Congratulations on your retirement!

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    1. Thanks, Shawn for your wishes. I'm a bit curious myself about what new places might appear in my future posts! xo

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  12. Loved taking a photo walk around with you. Even if you were not in the "main" parade viewing it was still nice.
    Good luck with your last 5 days of work. It will be sad but also so exciting.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Only four days to go now, dear Parsnip. It's a very busy season at the shop, so there's not much time for much reflection during work hours. We just enjoy each others' company and get on with what we need to do.
      (I much prefer not being in the "main" Parade area. My tolerance of crowds is a bit better when I have the possibility of an easy exit (or "exist") of my own choosing. xo

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  13. New York is a great city for parades and the one you showed us looked very nice, indeed. I enjoyed all your photos including the stormy weather shots – heavy clouds in the sky make for interesting photos. Cities are excellent for retirees as there is always something going on, and you can go to a variety of events, walking or with public transport. Here, in the suburbs, we are so isolated and with very few art museums. It will be an adjustment for you not to have to be on a regular work schedule. I remember at first I could not believe that I could stay up at night since I did not have to get up early … I am happy for you and think you will have fun this spring and summer.

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    1. As always, you say it very well, dear Vagabonde. I read somewhere recently that my very own neighborhood is named within the top ten places for retired people to live, for all the reasons you cite. (Of course, the tough bit is trying to afford to stay here!)
      I'm looking forward to being able to resume an acquaintance with my former natural status as a "morning person." There is something wonderful about being awake as a fresh day begins.
      xo

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  14. New York certainly pulls out all the stops for St Patrick's Day! Thank you for sharing the experience with us, Frances. I spent the morning of that day in the Rijks Museum admiring the Dutch old masters, and the afternoon travelling home, so no time for a celebratory Guiness for us. Another year we must go to Dublin.

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    1. Years ago, St. Patrick's Day in NYC was a much wilder place. I recall once scheduling a moving day from one apartment to another on a St. Pat's Day that also fell on Saturday. Ohhh, that was some day....
      How wonderful to visit the Rijks Museum. I'm fortunate to have visited it long ago while in the Netherlands, and finding it, as expected, a wonderful place.
      xo

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  15. Hi Frances, I am just catching up on your blog after my trip to Barcelona. This post brought back memories for me of travelling in the States in the late 1970s and the first question I was frequently asked was had I been to Ireland. The second was had I seen the Beatles and the third was did I have a Mini (car). It became tiresome for me at the time. It takes some time for things to change I believe, but I may be proved wrong. I am happy for you and the first months will be ecstatic as you will know from previous changes in your life. xxx

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    1. Rachel, when I let people know I will be going to the St Pat's parade, I am asked, "Are you Irish?" No, but I do like that parade.
      I've also never been to Ireland or owned/driven a Mini, but I did see each of the Beatles, two at the Concert for Bangladesh, one carrying groceries into his building in my neighborhood, and the other one in a chance meeting on Madison Ave...he wanted to hold my hand. Long time ago all of it.
      It is great to be looking forward, too, and thank you for your kind words. xo

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  16. I look forward to seeing these parades on your blog each year... They always seem such fun. I'm glad the rain held off. That second from last photo of the dark clouds doesn't look as if it was taken in a city.

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    1. Maybe some year I will actually take my St Pat's Day photographs from the midtown Fifth Avenue area (where I soon will be taking Easter Parade photographs.) March 17 is a very different place in the midst of Fifth Ave area shoppers, office workers, parade participants, police and tv news reporters.

      Snow is in this evening's forecast. I'm hoping to be home from work before it really gets going. xo

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  17. I enjoyed the parade but I loved the last two picture -- the one for its beauty and the last for the philosophy!

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    1. Thanks so much, Vicki. It's fun for me to show you all a variety of city views, vistas and close ups. xo

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  18. Dear Frances, It is so amazing that in a big city like New York you have so many beautiful green spaces.
    Love all of your photographs. I see that you might be getting a little more snow and very soon. Happy week ahead.

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    1. Gina, it's a pleasure to share a city that I still do love with you all. We've still got a chance of some snow in the overnight forecast, but when I made my way home tonight from work, it was just windy and cold. (Only a few days ago it was sweater weather.) xo

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  19. Another colourful St Patrick's Day parade post. I was hoping that you'd do it again. I hope that New Yorkers don't lose their enthusiasm for these displays. I can see how the military presence and the helicopters could put a bit of a damper on things.

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    1. One highlight that my camera could not capture was seeing the parade's grand marshall George Mitchell. He is a hero.

      xo

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  20. Unlike previous St Patrick's day parades
    the overflow from a crowded parade route
    was often quite interesting yet this year for some reason one would hardly know that it was St Pat's day ,perhaps it was the threat of rain?

    Congratulations on your retirement from work though it takes a lot of work to stay retired.

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    1. There were a few political elements to this year's parades (another tradition.)
      First time that the current NYC Mayor marched, because it was the first St Pat's Parade that allowed openly gay contingents to be part of the parade.

      Thanks for the retirement wishes...I practiced about 20 years ago with an early retirement. Wall Street intervened, and I returned to work.
      This time, I don't anticipate any u-turns. xo

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  21. Really nice and lovely photoes from st Patrick parade nice to see happy people all around with the green in the heart!!kisses and have happy week

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    1. Yes, it's good to keep green in our hearts! Thank you for your kind words and good wishes. A new week has begun with today's official declaration of spring! xo

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  22. What a lovely day and I love following your walk in the city...so many beautiful pictures!
    Have a happy monday Frances, take care.
    Titti

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    1. It's a pleasure to share some of New York with you, Titti. Of course, I love being able to see your pictures of your incredibly beautiful surroundings, too! xo

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    1. Thank you, Linda! If the weather doesn't turn soggy, I will be taking some photographs on Easter Sunday at the marvelous Fifth Avenue Easter Parade...more of a promenade, with lots of hats. Cheers.

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  24. Lovely photo's of the St Patrick's parade Frances! They make me wish we had parades in The Netherlands.

    Enjoy the rest of the week!

    Madelief x

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    1. Madelief, from your comment I've learned something new. I had no idea that parades don't feature in the Netherlands.

      From my own all too brief visit to the Netherlands, I learned of many, many wonderful traditions that do occur there...I arrived by train in Amsterdam on the Queen's birthday!
      Only two more work days for me, so this is a very unique week. Enjoyment mixed with some wistfulness. xo

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  25. Hello Frances,
    I wish you lots of fun with all your years to come. Wish you beautiful days and inspiration and please let us enjoy them with you on the blog.
    Lets go for a walk in your great New York! With Love from Rotterdam.

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    1. Thank you so much for these lovely messages sent all the way from fabulous Rotterdam! xo

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  26. Hello France's, if I have calculated it right today is the day.. So wishing you everything you wish for on your retirement. Wake up tomorrow as a free woman , free to spend your day as you choose.
    Good to see you were choosing to wander through the park and enjoying the walk. Hope Spring is well on the way and all the blossoms and flowers will soon be appearing. Cadbury crime egg time , hope you enjoy the Easter weekend. Best wishes. Millyx

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    1. Milly, I so appreciate your kind words...your calculations were almost right! I worked on Palm Sunday, then had yesterday off. I'll work today and again tomorrow...and then my door to free time will open.
      (I actually did a little drawing and painting yesterday to create an Easter card for my Mom. It felt so good to get my sketchbook out!)
      xo

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  27. I loved seeing your pictures of the St Patrick's Day parade, Frances! I loved seeing those gorgeous shades of green appearing in the different shots. I am sending you love and best wishes for your retirement. Happy Spring and happy creative time to enjoy the things you love!
    Helen xox

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    1. Thank you so much for your message, Helen. Yes, there were many beautiful greens on display at that parade. It's been fun to anticipate retirement, and to know the day is just about here is...very exciting! xo

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  28. Dear Frances, I loved your photo story about the St.Patrick's Parade and your walk through the Central Park. You are always so generous in sharing your impressions of the interesting events and moments in your life, thank you!
    Oh, so much green everywhere - in the streets and in the park... It's definitely spring time - new life, new hopes, dreams and opportunities. And... a new period for you, too! I suppose it's just about to start... Wishing you lovely happy days!!xx

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    1. Dear Rossichka, what a lovely message you have left me here. Yes, Central Parks seems just a bit more green every day during this season.
      Today was my last "work" day, but I will return to the shop on Friday afternoon for a farwell party.
      On my day off tomorrow (Thursday) I will take a walk across the Park with my little box of yarn clippings. These will be distributed amongst the branches of various shrubs, as I hope my yarn will become part of some nests of birds who like a bit of color!
      I think that my retirement years are going to be very full.
      Please do keep an eye out hereabouts for updating reports. xo

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    2. Oh, you are such a good soul! I'm sure the new nests will be cheerful thanks to your yarn...:) Have a nice party!!!!

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  29. It was odd seeing the Scottish Pipers in an Irish Parade! I do love the song of the bagpipes. How many parades take place in NYC in a year? It seems a fun event, even though you say it was a bit subdued?

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    1. Jeri, better not mention anything to those pipers (particularly those in the NYC Police Department bands) about their being Scottish.
      There are many, many parades in NYC during the year, and those on Fifth Avenue are the biggest, most attended.
      This Sunday's Fifth Avenue Easter Parade is more of a general promenade with anyone able to stroll up or down the Avenue in the finery of their choice.
      I am hoping that it won't rain. Forecast is a bit iffy.
      xo

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  30. There's a prescience about your observation that the parade was more subdued than in other years given what happened yesterday in Brussels. We live too much in fear of what might happen so it was good to see your photos of the day as it unfolded, the 'now' of the weather unfolding and the performer settling into her spot. Thank you for sharing your day with us. I shall be looking forward to your next post! All best for your big day, Cxx

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    1. Chris, I agree with what you say. Ever since that September morning's shock, I am a bit more wary to entering into crowd situations, yet also don't want to have fear deny me the joy of being part of wonderful occasions.

      Last actual "work" day was today. I'll return to the shop Friday afternoon for a little farewell do. I am already getting used to a new feeling of how good it will be to set my own schedule.
      Thank you so much for your good wishes! xo

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  31. Maybe by the time you get this you will have retired? I have been away from all things blog for some time now, just catching up on the razamataz of St Patrick's Day in NYC. I am wishing you all good things. Have a Happy Easter Frances. xxx

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    1. Thanks so much for all those kind words, dear Val. Yes, yesterday was my last official employment day, and my colleagues gave me a swell send off.
      Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter, too. I'm hoping to stroll over to Fifth Avenue to photographs some hats tomorrow afternoon. Watch this space. xo

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  32. Another great parade, so nice to see! And spring is also coming in Central park. Greetings from Rotterdam

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